SCORE International

Thor Herbst sitting on top of SCORE Overall Points

Alan Ampudia leads way in SCORE Trophy Truck, SCORE has ‘Terrible’ overall leader in Thor Herbst

SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Gabriel Garcia, Gabriel@SCORE-Intrenational.com

Racing all four times in Baja California, Mexico, for the ninth consecutive year, the 2024 SCORE World Desert Championship started in the best way for Thor Herbst, who is the SCORE Overall point leader with 134 points, after winning the massive Trophy Truck Spec class at last month’s King Shocks 37th SCORE San Felipe 250 to enhance the amazing legacy of Las Vegas’ Terrible Herbst Motorsports.

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Thor Herbst sitting on top of SCORE Overall Points

Alan Ampudia leads way in SCORE Trophy Truck, SCORE has ‘Terrible’ overall leader in Thor Herbst

SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Gabriel Garcia, Gabriel@SCORE-Intrenational.com

Racing all four times in Baja California, Mexico, for the ninth consecutive year, the 2024 SCORE World Desert Championship started in the best way for Thor Herbst, who is the SCORE Overall point leader with 134 points, after winning the massive Trophy Truck Spec class at last month’s King Shocks 37th SCORE San Felipe 250 to enhance the amazing legacy of Las Vegas’ Terrible Herbst Motorsports.

Read More

Thor Herbst sitting on top of SCORE Overall Points

Alan Ampudia leads way in SCORE Trophy Truck, SCORE has ‘Terrible’ overall leader in Thor Herbst

SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Gabriel Garcia, Gabriel@SCORE-Intrenational.com

ENSENADA, Baja California, Mexico—Racing all four times in Baja California, Mexico, for the ninth consecutive year, the 2024 SCORE World Desert Championship started in the best way for Thor Herbst, who is the SCORE Overall point leader with 134 points, after winning the massive Trophy Truck Spec class at last month’s King Shocks 37th SCORE San Felipe 250 to enhance the amazing legacy of Las Vegas’ Terrible Herbst Motorsports.

     Thor Herbst, 24, is also the leader of the Trophy Truck Spec class, which had a class-record 44 starters in San Felipe. He drove his revamped 1 Nine Industries-Chevy, (formerly known in desert racing as Herbst/Smith Fab), six points ahead of California's Justin Davis, who finished second in the Trophy Truck Spec class in a TSCO-Chevy.

     Mexico’s Santiago Creel is the highest Mexican driver in the SCORE overall points Honda Motorcycles after the first round of the year, by earning 124 points with a podium third-place in the Trophy-Truck Spec class in San Felipe. Creel is a former international motorcycle rally racer from Mexico City.

AMPUDIA, THE MASTER IN "THE MONSTERS"

     Alan Ampudia, 33, from Ensenada, Baja California of Team Papas and Beer, leads the points standings in the marquee SCORE Trophy Truck division after winning his class in San Felipe, driving his All-Wheel Drive No. 10 Monster Energy Ford Raptor, built by Mason Motorsports.

     Ampudia, reached 120 points in another historic moment for Mexican Off-Road, since only himself, Gustavo Vildósola Sr, and Gustavo Vildósola Jr, have been able to win the overall of a SCORE San Felipe 250, so he will finally try to reach this year the legendary number 1 in "The Desert Monsters", but for that, he still has three more races left, including the upcoming BFGoodrich Tires 56th SCORE Baja 500 from May 29-June 2 in Ensenada.

     Second place in SCORE Trophy Truck points and tied for 11th overall is San Diego’s Luke McMillin, 31, who has 114 points aboard the No. 83 Chevy 1500 Mason Truck, a company that has been dominating the sport in the deserts of Baja California and Baja California Sur for several years.

     "Tavo" Vildósola Jr, 42 of Mexicali, Mexico, started the SCORE season with a good pace, as he was third in SCORE Trophy Truck in the Score San Felipe 250, occupying that place in the SCORE Trophy Trucks with 110 points.

SALAS, THE NEW AZTEC STAR

     The rider from Tecate, Baja California, Arturo Salas Jr, 21, occupies the position of honor in the Pro Moto Unlimited class, after winning his class in the King Shocks 37th SCORE San Felipe 250 along with Californian Carter Klein, 19, of Agua Dulce, Calif., a result that has them at the top of the motorcycles with 103 points as part of the Hero Racing team.

     Salas Jr, who resides in Chula Vista, California, but represents his native Mexico in desert racing, recovered from an injury on the course last November’s BFGoodrich Tires 56th SCORE Baja 1000 to reaffirm that he is the new figure of motorcycle desert racing in Mexico, now as part of the Honda brand, after last year in which he raced with KTM and Gas Gas motorcycles in SCORE.

     American racers Austin Eddy, Connor Eddy, and Jarett Megla are second in the Pro Moto Unlimited, with 97 points, aboard another Honda CRF450X motorcycle, while Fernando Beltran from Ensenada, Baja California, is third in the same motorcycle category with 93 points, along with his teammates, Mauri Herrera, Luis Flores, Chad Goodsell and Dilan Avalos.

BLURTON AND HIS WINNING MAGIC

     Phil Blurton, 37 of Auburn, California, is not only the leading driver in the Pro UTV Fi class with 114 points, but also driving his No. 2944 Can-Am Maverick R is the SCORE overall UTV point leader after, winning in a thrilling duel against Edgar Garcia of the Santo Tomas Racing team in the SCORE San Felipe 250.

    Blurton, a multi-time UTV World Champion, continues to write his history with golden letters in the deserts of Baja California and Baja California Sur, where he has become the king of these UTV vehicles that are the sensation of the market today.

POLARIS AND A STELLAR DOMINANCE

     In the Pro UTV Open class, the youngster from Las Vegas, Nevada, Cayden MacCachren, is the leader after the first race of the year with 112 points, six more than his teammate of the SCI Motorsports Polaris factory team, Brock Heger, who reached 106 points after his second place in the San Felipe.

     Cayden MacCachren, heir to Rob MacCachren, is slowly writing his name in the sport, as he has two consecutive SCORE wins, including his success in the BFGoodrich Tires 56th SCORE Baja 1000, which started last November in the port of La Paz, Baja California Sur and ended at Ensenada, Baja California.

SCOREscope

2024 SCORE SCHEDULE

     Here are the dates for the three remaining 2024 SCORE World Desert Championship which are being held in Baja California, Mexico for the ninth consecutive year:

BFGoodrich Tires 56th SCORE Baja 500—

May 29-June 2, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

5th SCORE Baja 400, presented by VP Racing Fuels—

September 11-15, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

BFGoodrich Tires 57th SCORE Baja 1000—

November 11-17, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

SCORE SPONSORS…

Official SCORE Sponsors: BFGoodrich Tires-Official Tire and Race Title Sponsor, Ford-Official Truck and SUV, King Shocks-Official Shock Absorber and Race Title Sponsor, Polaris RZR-Official UTV, VP Racing Fuels-Official Fuel and race presenting sponsor, Optima Batteries-Official Battery, Rugged Radios-Official Radio Communication, Sylvania-Official Light, Method Race Wheels-Official Wheel and Race Qualifying sponsor, Lasernut-Official Custom Metal Fabricator, Wide Open Excursions-Official Arrive and Drive Company, Crystal Bay Casino-Official Casino.

SCORE Official Partners: The Satellite Phone Store, Instant Mexico Auto Insurance.

Additional SCORE Associate Partners: Baja California Secretary of Tourism, MEXICO Secretary of Tourism, San Felipe Foundational Municipal Council, Ensenada Municipal Government, San Felipe Marketing Tourism Committee, Ensenada Marketing Tourism Committee, Ensenada Hotel and Motel Association, Proturismo Ensenada, and Cruz Roja Mexicana.

     For more information regarding SCORE, visit the official website of the SCORE World Desert Championship at www.SCORE-International.com.

2024 SCORE World Desert Championship Point Leaders

(thru Round 1, SCORE San Felipe 250)

Top 20—2024 SCORE Overall Car/Truck/UTV Point Leaders

(Position, Vehicle No., Driver(s), Vehicle-Engine-Builder, Class, Points)

1. 219 Thor Herbst, Las Vegas, 1 Nine Industries-Chevy (Trophy Truck Spec), 134

2. 285 Justin Davis, Chino Hills, Calif.,TSCO-Chevy (Trophy Truck Spec), 128

3. 260 Santiago Creel, Mexico City, Mexico, TSCO-Chevy (Trophy Truck Spec), 124

4. 250 Dustin Swanson, Honolulu, Hawaii, TSCO-Chevy, (Trophy Truck Spec), 121

5. 10 Alan Ampudia, 33, Ensenada, Mexico, Ford Raptor (Mason), (SCORE Trophy Truck), 120

6. 236 Michael Marsal, Millbrook, N.Y., Brenthel-Chevy, (Trophy Truck Spec), 119

7. 263 EJ Herbst, Las Vegas/Ryan Millen, Huntington Beach, Calif. (New Zealand), 1 Nine Industries-Chevy, (Trophy Truck Spec), 118

8. 200 Jason McNeil, El Cajon, Calif., TSCO-Chevy, (Trophy Truck Spec), 117

9. 203 Mitch McNeil, Mesa, Ariz./Scott McNeil, Mesa, Ariz., Geiser-Ford, (Trophy Truck Spec), 116

10. 266 David Ziegler, Reno, Nev./Paul Ziegler, Reno, Nev./Wyatt Ziegler, Reno, Nev., Brenthel-Chevy, (Trophy Truck Spec), 115

11. 2944 Phil Blurton, Auburn, Calif., Can-Am Maverick R (Pro UTV FI), 114

11. 83 Luke McMillin, San Diego, Chevy 1500 (Mason), (SCORE Trophy Truck), 114

11. 245 Ethan Hagle, Somis, Calif., Alumi Craft-Chevy, (Trophy Truck Spec), 114

14. 238 Elijah Kiger, Kirby, Pa./Christopher King, Kirby, Pa., TSCO-Chevy, (Trophy Truck Spec), 113

15. 1821 Cayden MacCachren, Las Vegas, Polaris RZR Pro R (Pro UTV Open), 112

15. 207 Mason Cullen, Long Beach, Calif./Matt Cullen, Long Beach, Calif., Geiser-Chevy (Trophy Truck Spec), 112

17. 204 Cade Garcia, Santa Fe Springs, Calif., TSCO-Chevy (Trophy Truck Spec), 111

18. 21 Gustavo Vildosola Jr, Mexicali, Mexico, Ford Raptor (Vildosola Racing), 110

18. 209 J. David Ruvalcaba, Ensenada, Mexico, TSCO-Chevy (Trophy Truck Spec), 110

20. 246 Ben Hagle, Somis, Calif./Ruben Garcia, San Felipe, Mexico, Alumi Craft-Chevy (Trophy Truck Spec), 109

2024 SCORE World Desert Championship

Class Point Standings

(through Round 1 of 4—King Shocks 37th SCORE San Felipe 250)

(DOR/ROR must start and/or finish all four races to be qualify for season point championship)

(By Class, Position, Vehicle Number, Driver/Rider of record, Hometown,

Vehicle make/model, Points, Class wins in parenthesis)

Pro Cars, Trucks, UTVs

  SCORE TROPHY TRUCK—1. 10 Alan Ampudia, Ensenada, Mexico, Ford Raptor (Mason) (1), 120; 2. 83 Luke McMillin, San Diego, Chevy 1500 (Mason), 114; 3. 21 Gustavo Vildosola Jr, Mexicali, Mexico, Ford Raptor (Vildosola Racing), 110; 4. 1 Bryce Menzies, Las Vegas, Ford Raptor (Mason), 107; 5. 16 Cameron Steele, San Clemente, Calif., Ford Raptor (Geiser), 105; 6. 23 Dan McMillin, San Diego/Andy McMillin, San Diego, Chevy 1500 (Mason), 104; 7. 94 Christopher Poolvoorde, Hemet, Calif., Ford Raptor (Mason), 103; 8. 41 Justin Lofton, Lockney, Texas (Brawley, Calif.), Chevy 1500 (Mason), 102; 9. 58 Tracy Graf, Canada, Chevy Silverado (Racer), 101; 10. 19 Tim Herbst, Las Vegas, Ford F-150 (1 Nine Industries), 100; 11. 11 Rob MacCachren, Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado (Jimco), 99; 12. 87 Dallas Lutrell, Las Vegas/Billy Goerke, Las Vegas, Dodge Ram, 98; 13. 85 Mikey Lawrence, Banning, Calif., Ford F-150 (1 Nine Industries), 97; 14. 51 Jack Olliges, Las Vegas, Ford Raptor (Geiser), 96; 15. 66 Chris Hertsch, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Ford Raptor (Blitzkrieg), 95; 16. 63 Ruben Torres, San Luis Potosi, Mexico/Enrique Avalos, Ensenada, Mexico, Nissan Titan (Mason), 94; 17. 33 Roberto Romo Jr, Mexciali, Mexico, Ford Raptor (Racer), 93; 18. 78 Tracy Poole, Bozeman, Mont./Ryan Huntsinger, Bozeman, Mont., Chevy Silverado (Geiser), 92; 19. 97 Gabriel Torres, San Luis Potosi, Mexico/Ruben Torres, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, Nissan Titan (Mason), 91; 20. 70 Kevin Thompson, New Braunfels, Texas/Harley Letner, Corona, Calif., Ford Raptor (Mason), 90; 21. 45 Gary Magness, Denver/Chelsea Magness, Denver/Matt Robinson, Denver/Jeff Blackwell, Oklahoma City, Ford F-150 (1 Nine Industries), 89.

  SCORE TT LEGEND (Unlimited Custom Trucks, including builder, Drivers over 50 years old)—1. 1L Gustavo Vildosola Sr, Mexicali, Mexico/Ricky Johnson, El Cajon, Calif., Ford Raptor (Mason) (1), 96; 2. 85L Clay Lawrence, Banning, Calif./Larry Roeseler, Boulevard, Calif., Ford Raptor (1 Nine Industries), 90; 3. 65L Greg Adler, Manhattan Beach, Calif./Thomas Fichter, Spring, Texas, Ford Raptor (TSCO), 86; 4. 37L Rolf Helland, Morris, Ill./Rick D. Johnson, Barstow, Calif., Chevy Silverado (Mason), 83; 5. 61L David Payne, St. Louis, Mo./Damon Bradshaw, Peoria, Ariz./Cam McQueen, Canada, Chevy Silverado (Brenthel), 81.

  CLASS 1 (Unlimited open-wheel single or two-seaters)—1. 153 Brad Wilson, Long Beach, Calif./Justin Munyon, San Clemente, Calif., Jimco-Chevy (1), 96; 2. 168 Cody Reid, Apple Valley, Calif., Alumi Craft-Chevy, 90; 3. 138 Kyle Quinn, Lakewood, Calif./John Herder, Tucson, Ariz., Jimco-Chevy, 86; 4. 127 Cody Parkhouse, Long Beach, Calif./Brian Parkhouse, Long Beach, Calif., Jimco-Chevy, 83; 5. 133 Alberto Varela, Tijuana, Mexico/Roberto Romo Jr, Mexicali, Mexico, Jimco-Chevy, 81.

  TROPHY TRUCK SPEC (unlimited Truck/SUV, stock, sealed engines)—1. 219 Thor Herbst, Las Vegas, 1 Nine Industries-Chevy (1), 134; 2. 285 Justin Davis, Chino Hills, Calif.,TSCO-Chevy, 128; 3. 260 Santiago Creel, Mexico City, Mexico/Cristian Castelan, Ensenada, Mexico, TSCO-Chevy, 124; 4. 250 Dustin Swanson, Honolulu, Hawaii/Eric Dollente, Imperial, Calif., TSCO-Chevy, 121; 5. 236 Michael Marsal, Millbrook, N.Y., Brenthel-Chevy, 119; 6. 263 EJ Herbst, Las Vegas/Ryan Millen, Huntington Beach, Calif. (New Zealand), 1 Nine Industries-Chevy, 118; 7. 200 Jason McNeil, El Cajon, Calif.,TSCO-Chevy, 117; 8. 203 Mitch McNeil, Mesa, Ariz./Scott McNeil, Mesa, Ariz., Geiser-Ford, 116; 9. 266 David Ziegler, Reno, Nev./Paul Ziegler, Reno, Nev./Wyatt Ziegler, Reno, Nev., Brenthel-Chevy, 115; 10. 245 Ethan Hagle, Somis, Calif., Alumi Craft-Chevy, 114; 11. 238 Elijah Kiger, Kirby, Pa./Christopher King, Kirby, Pa., TSCO-Chevy, 113; 12. 207 Mason Cullen, Long Beach, Calif./Matt Cullen, Long Beach, Calif., Geiser-Chevy, 112; 13. 204 Cade Garcia, Santa Fe Springs, Calif., TSCO-Chevy, 111; 14. 209 J. David Ruvalcaba, Ensenada, Mexico, TSCO-Chevy, 110; 15. 246 Ben Hagle, Somis, Calif./Ruben Garcia, San Felipe, Mexico, Alumi Craft-Chevy, 109; 16. 282 Brent Fox, Highland, Utah/Brook Beckstrom, Salem, Utah/Trevor Rasmussen, Highland, Utah, 1 Nine Industries-Chevy, 108; 17. 294 Vincent Munoz, Yucaipa, Calif., Full Potential-Chevy, 107; 18. 205 Joe Delucie, Las Vegas/Matt Ongman, Las Vegas, SLR-Chevy, 106; 19. 264 Arnoldo Gutierrez, Mexicali, Mexico/Edgar Sotelo, Mexicali, Mexico, Brenthel-Chevy,105; 20. 259 Matt Winslow, Clovis, Calif./Todd Winslow, Clovis, Calif., Mason-Chevy, 104; 21. 241 Stephen Beal, 52, Dallas/Sean Geiser, 33, Phoenix, Geiser-Chevy, 103.

  CLASS 10 (Limited, sealed engine, single or two-seaters)—1. 1014 Bruce Yee, Rosarito Beach, Mexico, Alumi Craft-Honda (1), 104; 2. 1006 Freddie Willert, El Cajon, Calif./Stan Potter, San Marcos, Calif., Alumi Craft-Chevy, 98; 3. 1000 Francisco Vera, El Rosario, Mexico/Juan Sanchotena, San Diego Alumi Craft-Honda, 94; 4. 1044 Jason Shipman, Farmington, Mo., Alumi Craft-Honda, 91; 5. 1002 Matias Arjona IV, Ensenada, Mexico/Francisco Pena, Ensenada, Mexico, Alumi Craft-Chevy, 89; 6. 1060 Ted Baker, Encinitas, Calif./Tim Morton, Escondido, Calif., Alumi Craft-Chevy, 88; 7. 1023 Tamara Myers, Newport Beach, Calif./Steve Myers, Newport Beach, Calif., ChespyCraft-Honda, 87; 8. 1077 Dale Ebberts, Wilton, Calif./Ezra Ebberts, Wilton, Calif., ESM-Toyota, 86; 9. 1043 David Jimenez, San Quintin, Mexico/Eduardo Higuera, San Quintin, Mexico, Racer-Chevy, 85.

  PRO UTV OPEN (two-seat open UTV open-displacement)—1. 1821 Cayden MacCachren, 22, Las Vegas, Polaris RZR Pro R (1), 112; 2. 1896 Brock Heger, El Centro, Calif., Polaris RZR Pro R, 106; 3. 1886 Branden Sims, Prescott Valley, Ariz., Polaris RZR Pro R, 102; 4. 1854 Kristen Matlock, Alpine, Calif., Polaris RZR Pro R, 99; 5. 1841 Max Eddy Jr, Barstow, Calif., Polaris RZR Pro R, 97; 6. 1825 Vito Ranuio, Stockton, Calif., Can-Am Maverick R, 96; 7. 1831 Craig Scanlon, Orange, Calif. (Helena, Mont.), Polaris RZR Pro R, 95; 8. 1824 Oscar R. Alvarez, McAllen, Texas/Gustavo Pinuelas, Mexicali, Mexico, Polaris RZR Pro R, 94; 9. 1871 Wayne Matlock, Alpine, Calif., Polaris RZR Pro R, 93; 10. 1869 Justin Lambert, Bakersfield, Calif./Scott Trafton, Alpine, Calif., Polaris RZR Pro R4, 92.

  PRO UTV FI (two-seat Forced Induction, OEM engine UTVs)—1. 2944 Phil Blurton, 37, Auburn, Calif., Can-Am Maverick R (1), 114; 2. 2987 Edgar Garcia, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., Can-Am Maverick, 108; 3. 2948 Matt Burroughs, Norco, Calif./Bradley Howe, Leona Valley, Calif., Can-Am Maverick R, 104; 4. 2915 Rickey Arslanian, Livermore, Calif./Brian Cooper, Santa Rosa, Calif., Polaris RZR XP1000, 101; 5. 2940 Erick Kozin, 46, Yorba Linda, Calif., Can-Am X3, 99; 6. 2956 Bogart Escandon, Tijuana, Mexico/Adrian Escandon, Tijuana, Mexico, Can-Am X3, 98; 7. 2909 Carlos Villarino, Mexicali, Mexico, Can-Am X3 XRS Turbo R, 97; 8. 2906 Zach Selby, Riverton, Utah, Can-Am Maverick, 96; 9. 2965 Victor Oseguera Jr, , Mexicali, Mexico/Victor Oseguera Sr, Mazatlan, Mexico/Alejandro Manzo, Michoacan, Mexico/Jose Ramirez, Mexicali, Mexico, Can-Am Maverick X3, 95; 10. 2962 Jared Minghini, Lake Tahoe, Calif./Charles Manchester, Lake Tahoe, Nev./Mark Winkelman, Cypress, Texas, Can-Am X3, 94; 11. 2925 Bernardo Perez, Rosarito Beach, Mexico/Joaquin Flores, Rosarito Beach, Mexico, Can-Am X3, 93; 12. 2955 Miguel Cortez, San Diego/Isaac Amaya, Ensenada, Mexico, Polaris RZR XP1000, 92; 13. 2905 Marc Burnett, Chula Vista, Calif., Can-Am X3, 91.

CLASS 7 (unlimited, six-cylinder, production appearing trucks or SUVs)—1. 703 Scott Brady, Gerber, Calif., Ford Ranger (1), 96; 2. 711 Richard Fant, Houston/Jeff Stone, Ford Ranger, 90; 3. 718 Luis Vazquez Jr, Ensenada, Mexico/Emanuel Vazquez, Ensenada, Mexico, Ford Ranger, 86.

SCORE LITES (VW-powered, Limited single-1776cc-or two-seaters-1835cc)—1. 1277 Mario Alcala, 42, Mexicali, Mexico, Seagrove (1), 95; 2. David Caspino, Woodland Hills, Calif./Jason Davis, Curry, 89; 3. 1238 Robert Illian, La Canada, Calif./Kyle Ramirez, La Canada, Calif., Jimco, 85.

PRO UTV NA (two-seat Normally Aspirated, OEM engine UTVs)—1. 1974 Ethan Groom, Temecula, Calif./Brighton Hornbrook, Temecula, Calif./Colbey Groom, Temecula, Calif., Polaris RZR XP1000 (1), 96; 2. 1919 Eva Malabanan, El Cajon, Calif./Daniel Gutierrez, Chula Vista, Calif., Polaris RZR XP1000, 90; 3. 1984 David Pedder, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif./Luis Sandoval, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Honda Talon 1000R, 86; 4. 1913 Dean Acton, Canada/Brock Smith, Canada, Yamaha YXZ1000R, 83.

CLASS 1/2-1600 (VW-powered, single or two-seaters to 1600cc)—1. 1656 Raul Ojeda, Ensenada, Mexico/Alonso Angulo, Ensenada, Mexico/Ernesto Medina, Ensenada, Mexico, Fraley (1), 95; 2. 1643 Daniel Reyes Jr, Heber, Calif., Acoplados, 89; 3. 1606 Daniel Goodrich, Chula Vista, Calif./Matt Willert, El Cajon, Calif./Michael Goodrich, Chula Vista, Calif., Bunderson, 85.

  PRO UTV STOCK (Stock UTVs, FI or NA)—1. 3925 Kaden Wells, Hurricane, Utah, Can-Am Maverick R (1), 105; 2. 3900 Jorge Cano, Culiacan, Mexico, Can-Am Maverick X3 RC Turbo, 99; 3. 3907 Jeremy Davis, Chino Hills, Calif., Can-Am Maverick R, 95; 4. 3919 Anibal Lopez, Mexicali, Mexico, Polaris RZR Turbo R, 92; 5. 3909 Angel Mercado, El Centro, Calif./Diego Mercado, Mexicali, Mexico, Can-Am XRS Max Turbo RR, 90; 6. 3928 Endy Chavez, Mexicali, Mexico/Jacobo Bermudez, Mexicali, Mexico, Can-Am Maverick R, 89; 7. 3955 Scott Sappington, Glendale, Ariz./Jason Flanders, Glendale, Ariz./Dan Sprague, Palisade, Colo., Can-Am X3 Max, 88.

  CLASS 8—1. 809 Josh Klenske, Yucaipa, Calif., Ford F-150 (1), 95.

  CLASS 5 (Unlimited Baja Bugs, VW concept engines allowed)—1. 500 Eli Yee, Tijuana, Mexico, Jake’s-Chevy (1), 95; 2. 525 Martin Anguiano, Ventura, Calif./Colin Cline, Ojai, Calif., Jake’s-Chevy, 89; 3. 503 Jon Manikateri, El Paso, Texas/Edel Romero, El Paso, Texas, DeLaCruz-Chevy, 85.

  CLASS 5-1600 (1600cc water-cooled VW Baja Bugs)—1. 561 Zackery Woodruff, Bend, Ore./Diesel Vecqueray, Bend, Ore. (1), 95.

  BAJA CHALLENGE (Spec, Subaru-powered Baja Touring Cars equipped with BFGoodrich Tires)—1. BC2 Frank Olagary, Thornton, Calif./Diego Olagary, Lodi, Calif. (1), 95; 2. BC1 Joseph Koegnig, Lincolnwood, Ill./Jeff Wudi, Kenosha, Wisc., 89.

  CLASS 7F (Stock frame, 2 or 4-wheel drive mini or mid-size trucks)—1. 719F Cesar Gutierrez, Tijuana, Mexico, Jeep Grand Cherokee (1), 95; 2. 700F Justin Park, Encinitas, Calif./Cole Andrews, Ramona, Calif./Eduardo Perez, San Quintin, Mexico/Pako Martinez, San Quintin, Mexico, Ford Ranger, 89.

  CLASS 7SX (2 or 4-wheel drive mini or mid-sized trucks)—1. 740 Armando Duron, Mexicali, Mexico/Israel Duron, Mexicali, Mexico, Ford Ranger (1), 95.

  CLASS 11 (stock VW sedans, safety modifications)—1. 1100 Oliver Flemate, Ensenada, Mexico/Antonio Espinoza, Ensenada, Mexico (1), 95; 2. 1111 Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, Mexico/Edwin Cherider, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico/Leon Burgoin, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico/Orlando Lopez, Tijuana, Mexico, 89.

PRO MOTORCYCLES

  PRO MOTO UNLIMITED (400cc or more)—1. 11x Arturo Salas Jr, Chula Vista, Calif. (Tecate, Mexico)/Carter Klein, Agua Dulce, Calif., Honda CRF450X (1), 103; 2. 9x Austin Eddy, Oak Hills, Calif./Connor Eddy, Barstow, Calif./Jarett Megla, Simi Valley, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 97; 3. 8x Fernando Beltran, Ensenada, Mexico/Mauri Herrera, Ensenada, Mexico/Luis Flores, Mexicali, Mexico/Chad Goodsell, Holtville, Calif./Dilan Avalos, N. Palm Springs, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 93; 4. 92x Tucker Hopkins, Venice, Calif., Husqvarna 450FE, 90; 5. 25x Bryce Stavron, San Clemente, Calif./David Zarate, Los Cabos, Mexico, KTM 450XC-F, 88; 6. 15x Eric Holt, Panaca, Nev./Brian Whiteside, Farmington, Utah/Daemon Woolslayer, Mona, Utah/Mason Decunzo, Las Vegas, Husqvarna 450FE, 87; 7. 20x Eric Kirby, Phoenix/Dylan Gaszak, Phoenix, KTM 450XC-F, 86; 8. 21x Justin Kennamer, Alpine, Calif./Scott Schrader, Lake Elsinore, Calif./Brian Wipperman, Phoenix, Honda CRF450X, 85; 9. 99x Samuel Scott, Jackson, Wyo./Derek Braig, Alpine, Wyo./Cody Wilkins, Alpine, Wyo., KTM 450XC-F, 84; 10. 24x Jacob Robinson, Phoenix/Ryan Savage, Prescott, Ariz., Honda CRF450X, 83.

  PRO MOTO 30 (Riders over 30 years old)—1. 317x Ethan Wheeler, Ocean Beach, Calif./Ryan Stephens, San Diego/Dustin Ashe-Everest, Salton City Calif.,/Nick Lake, Yuma, Ariz., KTM 450EXC-F (1), 95; 2. 311x Juan Valenzuela, Ensenada, Mexico/Joel Castillo, Ensenada, Mexico/Luis Molina, Ensenada, Mexico/Ramon Murrillo, Ensenada, Mexico, Honda CRF450X, 89; 3. 303x Carlos Castillo, Mexicali, Mexico/Clint Charman, Yamaha YZ450FX, 85.

PRO MOTO LIMITED (less than 450cc—1. 110x Armando Ortiz, Tijuana, Mexico/Andre Enrique, Mexicali, Mexico/Tyler Perrin, Ocotillo, Calif./Ricardo Meza, San Felipe, BC, Mexico, Honda CRF450X (1), 95; 2. 150x Neithan Adams, San Felipe, Mexico/Jason Lopez, San Felipe, Mexico/Angel Aguirre, Tijuana, Mexico/Manuel Gomez, Tecate, Mexico, Honda CRF450X, 89.

  PRO MOTO 40 (Riders over 40 years old)—1. 411x Francisco Septien, Ensenada, Mexico/Shane Esposito, Temecula, Calif./Jim O’Neal, Santa Barbara, Calif., Kawaski KX450X (1), 95; 2. 452x Travis Flateau, Temecula, Calif./Jason Alosi/Steve Tichnor/Jason Trubey, Henderson, Nev., Yamaha WR450F, 89; 3. 400x Alirio Amado, The Woodlands, Texas/Manuel Vazquez, Tijuana, Mexico/Mark Bechtold, Phoenix/Nick Lanning, Albuquerque, N.M., Yamaha WR450F, 85.

  PRO MOTO 50 (Riders over 50 years old)—1. 547x Mike Prunty, Temecula, Calif./Lester Lehigh, Bishop, Calif./Dal Truby, Henderson, Nev./Jeff Kelly Mammoth, Calif.,/Dennis Berlingheri, Reno Nev./Nick Martin, Reno, Nev., Honda CRF450X (1), 85; 2. 514x Lawrence Janesky, Middlebury, Conn./Dustin Gerbers, Chapmansboro, Tenn./Mark Daconto, Oxford, Conn., Honda CRF450X, 89; 3. 513x Joseph Amey, Las Vegas/Brad Loveday, Las Vegas/Dave Martin, Las Vegas, Honda CRF450X, 85.

  PRO MOTO 60 (Riders over 60 years old)—1. 628x Mike Kay, Sacramento, Calif./Scott McIntosh, Kent, Wash./Mike Whitman, Phoenix/Dave Kwast, Cassopolis, Mich., Honda CRF450X (1), 95; 2. 616x Harold Harris, Sanger, Calif./Manny Ornellas, Lagna Niguel, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 89.

  PRO MOTO IRONMAN (Solo Riders)—1. 719x Kadin Guard, St. George, Utah, KTM 450XC-F (1), 106; 2. 745x Patricio Cabrera, Chile, KTM FE450, 100; 3. 732x Mike Fermoile, El Cajon, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 96; 4. 788x Brian Roberts, Hemet, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 93; 5. 716x David Topete, Obregon, Mexico, Honda CRF450X, 91; 6. 756x Francisco Heredia, San Luis, Ariz., Yamaha YZ450FX, 90; 7. 706x Kevin Daniels, Bishop, Calif., Husqvarna FX450, 89; 8. 780x Jeff Miller, Nampa, Idaho, Husqvarna FE450, 88; 9. 781x Miguel Luna, Las Vegas, Honda CRF450X, 87; 10. 704x Casey Odonnell, Steamboat Springs, Colo., Yamaha YZ450FX, 86; 11. 724x William Gross, Anacortes, Wash., Husqvarna FX450, 85; 12. 717x Travis Lukens, Arboles, Colo., Gas Gas ES500, 84.

PRO QUADS

  PRO QUAD (Open engine displacement)—1. 39a Sergio Jimenez, Mexicali, Mexico/Nicolas Velez, San Felipe, Mexico/Luis Meza Velez, San Felipe, Mexico, Honda TRX450R (1), 95.

  PRO QUAD IRONMAN (Open engine displacement, solo Rider)—1. 91a Jorge Lopez Jr, Rancho Percebu, Mexico, Honda TRX450R (1), 95.

SPORTSMAN

  SPT M/C—1. 229x Joel Magallanes, Mexicali, Mexico/Uriel Zuniga, Calexico, Calif./Sergio Cortez, Mexicali, Mexico/Alonso Zuniga, Calexico, Calif./Santiago Cortez, Mexicali, Mexico, Honda CRF450R (1), 95.

  SPT QUAD—1. 137a Jose Miramontes, San Felipe, Mexico/Erick Ramirez, San Felipe, Mexico/Sergio Castenada, San Felipe, Mexico, Honda TRX450R (1), 105.

2024 SCORE World Desert Championship

Race-by-Race Class Winners

 

King Shocks 37th SCORE San Felipe 250

San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico March 23-24, 2024

Total Starters: 270    Total Finishers: 198 (285.69 miles)

Pro Cars, Trucks & UTVs

SCORE TROPHY TRUCK—10 Alan Ampudia, Ensenada, Mexico, Ford Raptor

SCORE TT LEGEND—1L Gustavo Vildosola Sr, Mexicali, Mexico/Ricky Johnson, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., Ford Raptor

CLASS 1—Brad Wilson, Long Beach, Calif., Jimco-Chevy

TROPHY TRUCK SPEC—219 Thor Herbst, Las Vegas/Pierce Herbst, Las Vegas, 1 Nine Industries-Chevy

CLASS 10—Bruce Yee, Rosarito Beach, Mexico, Alumi Craft-Honda

PRO UTV OPEN—1821 Cayden MacCachren, Las Vegas, Polaris RZR Pro R

PRO UTV FI—2944 Phil Blurton, Auburn, Calif., Can-Am Maverick R

CLASS 7—Scott Brady, Gerber, Calif. Ford Ranger

SCORE LITES—1277 Mario Alcala, Mexicali, Mexico, Seagrove-VW

PRO UTV NA—1974 Ethan Groom, Temecula, Calif., Polaris RZRXP1000

CLASS 1/2-1600—1656 Raul Ojeda, Ensenada, Mexico, Fraley-VW

PRO UTV STOCK—3925 Kaden Wells, Hurricane, Utah, Can-Am Maverick R

CLASS 8—809 Josh Klenske, Yucaipa, Calif., Ford F-150

CLASS 5—500 Eli Yee, Tijuana, Mexico, Jake’s-Chevy

CLASS 5/1600—561 Zackery Woodruff, Bend, Ore., VW Baja Bug

BAJA CHALLENGE—BC2 Frank Olagary, Thornton, Calif., BTC-Subaru

CLASS 7F—719F Cesar Gutierrez, Tijuana, Mexico, Jeep Grand Cherokee

CLASS 7SX—740 Armando Duron Sr, Mexicali, Mexico/Israel Duron, Mexicali, Mexico, Ford Ranger

CLASS 11—1100 Oliver Flemate, Ensenada, Mexico/Antonio Espinoza, Ensenada, Mexico, VW Sedan

Pro Motorcycles

PRO MOTO UNLIMITED—11x Arturo Salas Jr, Chula Vista, Calif. (Tecate, Mexico)/Carter Klein, Agua Dulce, Calif., Honda CRF450X

PRO MOTO 30—317x Ethan Wheeler, Ocean Beach, Calif., KTM 450EXC-F

PRO MOTO LIMITED—110x Armando Ortiz, Tijuana, Mexico, Honda CRF450X

PRO MOTO 40—411x Francisco Septien, Ensenada, Mexico/Shane Esposito, Temecula, Calif./Jim O’Neal, Santa Barbara, Calif., Kawasaki KX450X

PRO MOTO 50—547x Mike Prunty, Temecula, Calif., Honda CRF450X

PRO MOTO IRONMAN—719x Kadin Guard, St. George, Utah, KTM 450XC-F

PRO MOTO 60—628x Mike Kay, Sacramento, Calif./Scott McIntosh, Kent, Wash., Honda CRF450X

Pro Quads

PRO QUAD—39a Sergio Jimenez, Mexicali, Mexico/Nicolas Velez, San Felipe, Mexico/Luis Meza Velez, San Felipe, Mexico, Honda TRX450R

PRO QUAD IRONMAN—91a Jorge Lopez, Rancho Percebu, Mexico, Honda TRX450R

Sportsman M/C & Quad

SPT M/C—229x Joel Magallanes, Mexicali, Mexico, Honda CRF450

SPT QUAD—137a Jose Miramontes, San Felipe, Mexico, Honda TRX450R

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2024 SCORE Trophy Truck Points Leaders

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1. Alan Ampudia

120 Points
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2. Luke McMillin

114 Points
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3. Tavo Vildosola

110 Points
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4. Bryce Menzies

107 Points
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5. Cameron Steele

105 Points
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6. Dan McMillin

104 Points

2024 SCORE Trophy Truck Legends Points Leaders

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1. Gustavo Vildosola Sr.

96 Points
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2. Clay Lawrence

90 Points
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3. Greg Adler

86 Points
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4. Rolf Helland

83 Points
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5. David Payne

81 Points
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6. Wade Porter

35 Points

The Latest News from Score International

Thor Herbst sitting on top of SCORE Overall Points

Racing all four times in Baja California, Mexico, for the ninth consecutive year, the 2024 SCORE World Desert Championship started in the best way for Thor Herbst, who is the SCORE Overall point leader with 134 points, after winning the ... Read More

Polaris Introduces Gen 2 RZR Pro R UTV

Polaris introduced its Gen 2 RZR Pro R Factory race vehicle at the 37th King Shocks SCORE San Felipe 250 with an Overall UTV and SCORE Pro UTV Open class win from Cayden MacCachren. ... Read More

Dominic Clark retires after 40 years in SCORE Media Operations

ENSENADA, Baja California, Mexico—Dominic Clark, a Nevada native who has spent over 50 years as a Southern Nevada sports marketing executive, is officially retiring from the industry as he has resigned his independent-contractor position of Media Operations Director for SCORE ... Read More

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Media Guide

SCORE Journal  | Issue 1 2024

Subscribe to SCORE Journal & the Racer Newsletter

Please email me the SCORE Journal, Racer Newsletter, offers & discounts from specially selected partners for FREE every month with exclusive behind-the-scenes information and access to SCORE racers, new and legendary vehicle features, off-road history, and the latest news on SCORE Off-Road Racing. SCORE Journal Magazine subscribers are automatically entered to receive free promotional products, swag, and more, from SCORE Sponsors and SCORE Journal advertisers, when available, and other exclusive prizes only available to subscribers. You can opt-out at any time.By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy.

2024 SCORE Trophy Truck Legends Points Leaders

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1. Gustavo Vildosola Sr.

96 Points
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2. Clay Lawrence

90 Points
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3. Greg Adler

86 Points
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4. Rolf Helland

83 Points
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5. David Payne

81 Points
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6. Wade Porter

35 Points

SYLVANIA Off Road Partners with SCORE International

Partnership sheds light on SYLVANIA’s robust off-road automotive lighting expertise

SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Dominic Clark, Dominic@SCORE-International.com

SCORE International Off-Road Racing is pleased to welcome SYLVANIA Off Road as the official lights partner of the SCORE World Desert Championship, the Premier off-road racing series. The SCORE World Desert Championship series, in operation for over 50 years, produces the globally known race brands, SCORE Baja 1000, SCORE Baja 500, SCORE Baja 400 and SCORE San Felipe 250, which take place in Baja California, Mexico.

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SYLVANIA Off Road Partners with SCORE International

Partnership sheds light on SYLVANIA’s robust off-road automotive lighting expertise

SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Dominic Clark, Dominic@SCORE-International.com

SCORE International Off-Road Racing is pleased to welcome SYLVANIA Off Road as the official lights partner of the SCORE World Desert Championship, the Premier off-road racing series. The SCORE World Desert Championship series, in operation for over 50 years, produces the globally known race brands, SCORE Baja 1000, SCORE Baja 500, SCORE Baja 400 and SCORE San Felipe 250, which take place in Baja California, Mexico.

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SYLVANIA Off Road Partners with SCORE International

Partnership sheds light on SYLVANIA’s robust off-road automotive lighting expertise

SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Dominic Clark, Dominic@SCORE-International.com

ENSENADA, Baja California, Mexico, -- SCORE International Off-Road Racing is pleased to welcome SYLVANIA Off Road as the official lights partner of the SCORE World Desert Championship, the Premier off-road racing series. The SCORE World Desert Championship series, in operation for over 50 years, produces the globally known race brands, SCORE Baja 1000, SCORE Baja 500, SCORE Baja 400 and SCORE San Felipe 250, which take place in Baja California, Mexico.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome SYLVANIA Off Road as the newest sponsor of the SCORE World Desert Championship!” said Jim Ryan, SCORE Vice-President of Marketing & Sales. “Having a Heritage brand like SYLVANIA partner with us to bring their lighting expertise to the off-road racing market is really leveling-up the experience for our brand and our racers.”

SYLVANIA Off Road offers a selection of LED light bars and pods for the off-road space that delivers superior optical engineering, water resistance, durable design and are backed by a lifetime limited warranty. The SYLVANIA off-road portfolio includes three product lines: the Slim series with a compact design allowing installation almost anywhere on the vehicle; the Rugged series with a durable, waterproof design made to withstand tough environments; and the Ultra series, designed for ultimate off-road visibility with the highest lumen output of the product lines. In addition to these lines, SYLVANIA offers a variety of off-road installation accessories.

SYLVANIA’s Director of Marketing Erin O’Malley said, “We are excited to partner with the iconic SCORE racing series and look forward to showcasing the quality, durability and overall performance of all our off-road automotive lighting products with this enthusiastic and discerning community.”

For details and to learn more about SYLVANIA Off Road, visit https://www.sylvania-automotive.com/off-road-lighting.

Details regarding the SCORE World Desert Championship are available on https://score-raceinfo.com/.

About OSRAM SYLVANIA

SYLVANIA is a trademark of OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc. and part of the ams OSRAM group. As a global company with a history dating back 110 years and businesses around the world, the ams OSRAM Group's innovation, ingenuity, technical prowess and industry know-how represent a winning combination for our partners and our consumers. SYLVANIA is a well-recognized brand that is professional, reliable and committed to aftermarket solutions, representing a winning combination for our partners and our consumers. SYLVANIA's integrated, in-house skills allow for the development of products from research and design to engineering and manufacturing. SYLVANIA’s long history of delivering innovative aftermarket solutions continues to drive its mission to create a more connected road for everyone. To learn more, visit our website.

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Method Wheels & SCORE International ink extensive Marketing Partnership

Method Race Wheels now Official Wheel partner and Title Sponsor for four-race SCORE World Desert Championship Qualifiers.

SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Dominic Clark, Dominic@SCORE-International.com

Industry leading Method Race Wheels® has become an official partner of SCORE International and the four-race SCORE World Desert Championship. The World’s Foremost Desert Racing Organization, in operation for over 50 years, produces the globally known race brands, SCORE Baja 1000, SCORE Baja 500, SCORE Baja 400 and SCORE San Felipe 250, which all are held in Baja California, Mexico.

Read More

Method Wheels & SCORE International ink extensive Marketing Partnership

Method Race Wheels now Official Wheel partner and Title Sponsor for four-race SCORE World Desert Championship Qualifiers.

SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Dominic Clark, Dominic@SCORE-International.com

Industry leading Method Race Wheels® has become an official partner of SCORE International and the four-race SCORE World Desert Championship. The World’s Foremost Desert Racing Organization, in operation for over 50 years, produces the globally known race brands, SCORE Baja 1000, SCORE Baja 500, SCORE Baja 400 and SCORE San Felipe 250, which all are held in Baja California, Mexico.

Read More

Method Wheels & SCORE International ink extensive Marketing Partnership

Method Race Wheels now Official Wheel partner and Title Sponsor for four-race SCORE World Desert Championship Qualifiers.

SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Dominic Clark, Dominic@SCORE-International.com

ENSENADA, Baja California, Mexico – Industry leading Method Race Wheels® has become an official partner of SCORE International and the four-race SCORE World Desert Championship. The World’s Foremost Desert Racing Organization, in operation for over 50 years, produces the globally known race brands, SCORE Baja 1000, SCORE Baja 500, SCORE Baja 400 and SCORE San Felipe 250, which all are held in Baja California, Mexico.

     Method Race Wheels is now partnering with SCORE International as the Official Wheel of SCORE as well as the Title partner of SCORE Qualifying for each of the four races on the SCORE schedule.

     “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Method Race Wheels as the newest partner of the SCORE World Desert Championship!” said Jim Ryan, SCORE Vice-President of Marketing & Sales.  “Having an Industry leading brand like Method Race Wheels bringing their aggressive marketing and social media expertise to our desert racing market is a great asset for our brand and our racers.  Method Race Wheels has also committed the additional title sponsorship of all the new for 2024 season Qualifying events for all four SCORE races, which will add a new level of marketing and audience content programming that will make these one-day event activities a must watch and increased important factor for all SCORE races for the 2024 season”.

     Method Race Wheels is not just aiming to position its brand within the purview of SCORE's fanbase, but it is also dedicated to bolstering the success of its racers. Boasting over a decade of race victories, championships, and memorable moments, Method Race Wheels takes pride in delivering the highest caliber wheels to the competition. The company offers an exceptional support program for teams competing at any level or in any class. This includes significantly discounted race products, direct factory support, and a no minimum races requirement. A program crafted by racers, for racers.

     Learn more about Method Race Wheels Racer Program at: methodracewheels.com/racerprogram.

     Details regarding the SCORE World Desert Championship schedule, and more are available on SCORE-International.com.

About Method Race Wheels

     With corporate headquarters in Rancho Dominguez, Calif., Method Race Wheels designs, develops and distributes high performance wheels and accessories for race and street applications.

     Our commitment to quality is reflected in every product we offer, as we hold ourselves to the highest standards of performance. At Method Race Wheels, we are not content with conventional ideas of industry standards.

     As passionate racing enthusiasts and participants, we are driven to explore higher levels of performance for our products. Through rigorous engineering, testing and data collection, we constantly redefine what is possible in our designs. What truly sets us apart from other wheel companies is the application of our extensive race knowledge, which enables us to create products that are truly exceptional.

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The Rugged Radio Showroom is an open area with products and cool vehicles on display

After starting out in a small garage, Rugged Radios founder and president Greg Cottrell grew his radio and communication equipment business into a giant in the industry. We recently visited the company’s latest complex in Arroyo Grande, California, a small town neighboring Pismo Beach, which showcases the company’s passion for communication technology as well as vintage cars, motorcycles, race vehicles, and more.

The Rugged Radio Showroom is an open area with products and cool vehicles on display

Communication support and race support vehicles are ready to help racers and enthusiasts at every SCORE race

Rugged Radios is the Official Communications of SCORE International

In his personal shop and collection, Cottrell has an area replicating his dad’s original motorcycle repair shop

RUGGED RADIOS

A NEW COMPLEX SHOWCASES A PASSION FOR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

By Dan Sanchez

After starting out in a small garage, Rugged Radios founder and president Greg Cottrell grew his radio and communication equipment business into a giant in the industry. We recently visited the company’s latest complex in Arroyo Grande, California, a small town neighboring Pismo Beach, which showcases the company’s passion for communication technology as well as vintage cars, motorcycles, race vehicles, and more.

“Our home is here in Arroyo Grande,” said Cottrell. “My dad had a motorcycle repair shop in Covina, California, and I began getting involved in it with him when he began racing in SCORE in the 70s.” Cottrell learned early on that communication is critical for safety during racing or other off-road adventures. Cottrell later moved to Arroyo Grande and began working on improving the communication systems that were available at the time, and he soon became a leader in the marketplace.

“I’ve been in the business of communication technology for 32 years and started Rugged Radios over 18 years ago,” said Cottrell. “I started out in my garage, and now we have a state-of-the-art complex designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts.” 

The Rugged Radios facility isn’t just a large, bland building in the middle of town. The beautiful exterior and interior are inviting to everyone interested in cars, motorcycles, off-road, Overlanding, and anything else on two or four wheels. “For us, it’s all about energy,” said Cottrell. “When you walk in, you feel the company– who we are– become immersed in the activity here, and you begin to realize you’re in the communications superstore.”

With more than 50 employees, the showroom is open and allows customers to see everything from order-taking, R&D, production, shipping, and more. You will also be surrounded by multiple vintage motorcycles, buggies, race vehicles, and hot-rods, all on display with the company’s products in them. From headsets for helmets to the latest GMRS communication units, samples are available for customers to pick up, feel, and ask questions.

The employees also show pride in working there, and although the main building and showroom are impressive, there’s much more to the Rugged Radios complex. Alongside the main building is the company’s new taco stand, a small building with a full kitchen that is still being prepared to make, sell, and distribute Baja-style tacos. 

“The taco stand is being set up for when we have events such as car shows here at Rugged,” said Steve Gonzalez, Rugged warehouse manager. “We have events here that bring in hundreds of vehicles, and people want to eat, so we took our love of tacos from Baja and brought it to our facility.”

The Rugged complex also houses the company’s “garage,” where new products are prototyped and tested and where team members can work on their vehicles. Everything from welding tools to a CNC laser cutter is in this area to maximize creativity and design. Behind the Garage is another building where all of Cottrell’s personal toys are housed and showcased. Vintage motorcycles, Baja Bugs, Jeeps, a vintage trailer, collectible bicycles, and a replica of his dad’s motorcycle repair shop are all displayed in a tribute to the passions Cottrell shares.

Between the main building and the Garage are numerous Rugged Radio vehicles, including show support and product trailers, along with four-wheel show and pre-runner trucks. 

“This year, we partnered with SCORE International as the Official Radio Communications company,” said Cottrell. “It’s been a dream of mine to become involved with SCORE in an official capacity, as we support SCORE and SCORE supports us. Most importantly, we support the racers at every event and teach them how to install, check, and recheck their equipment before a race. This partnership with SCORE is only the beginning, and I can’t wait for the many more years to come.”

For more information on the Rugged Radios location or any of the Rugged Radio products, visit them at www.ruggedradios.com.

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March 20-March 24, 2024
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May 29–June 2, 2024
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Sept. 11-15, 2024
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Nov. 12-17, 2024

Official Letters from Mexico | Score International

Introducing SCORE Baja 1000 Tequila

SCORE BAJA 1000 TEQUILA

As a homage to Mexican culture and the vibrant tradition of BAJA 1000 racing celebrations, SCORE International takes pride in crafting a tequila that embodies its rich history and cultural heritage. Here's to raising a glass to one of the world's premier motorsports events.

SCORE BAJA 1000 Tequila is more than just a beverage; it's a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence and the celebration of adventure. Our premium Tequila celebrates 50 years off-road racing in Baja and delivers a unique and memorable drinking experience. Proudly distilled in Tequila, Mexico, we invite you to enjoy on the rocks, or in cocktails with friends and share the adventure!

Purchase Baja 1000 Tequila

Polaris Introduces Gen 2 RZR Pro R UTV

Polaris introduced its Gen 2 RZR Pro R Factory race vehicle at the 37th King Shocks SCORE San Felipe 250 with an Overall UTV and SCORE Pro UTV Open class win from Cayden MacCachren.

Gen 2 RZR Pro R Factory features FOX® 3.0 Live Valve X2 Internal Bypass shocks with a new in-house race-tuned DYNAMIX DV Suspension Control Module

Removable front and rear bumpers are stronger and feature upgraded mounts for equipment

The Polaris Gen 2 finished First, Second, and Fifth in the Pro Moto Open class during the 37th King Shocks SCORE San Felipe 250

Polaris Introduces Gen 2 RZR Pro R UTV

By Dan Sanchez

The Gen 2, according to Polaris, is the iteration that boasts an all-new one-piece chassis, a stronger, stiffer frame, a wide range of bodywork upgrades, and new and enhanced electronic componentry. The collective upgrades are the results of ongoing testing, development, and refinement between the Polaris team and drivers throughout the team’s 2023 Championship season in SCORE.

“Drawing upon key learnings from ongoing adjustments that we made throughout the 2023 season, our team in Minnesota and California worked succinctly to take the dominant RZR Pro R Factory, refine it, and ultimately elevate it to double down and win back-to-back championships,” said Alex Scheuerell, Polaris Factory Racing Technical Director. “This machine is the ultimate demonstration of Polaris Engineering’s expertise and commitment to pushing the boundaries of off-road performance.”  

According to Polaris, the RZR Pro R Factory features premium, race-enhanced parts, and much of the main componentry on the vehicle remains completely stock, based on the revolutionary RZR Pro R platform. These stock parts include the ProStar Fury 2.0L engine, front and rear drive, transmission, power steering rack, wheel bearings, all CVT components, including belt, plus control arms, front and rear knuckles, ball joints, and trailing arms. This is a statement to the true power, strength, and control of the RZR Pro R that consumers can purchase straight off the showroom floor.

The Gen 2 RZR Pro R Factory includes the following race modifications:
● All-New One-Piece Chassis – Using hard-fought lessons gathered from the inaugural season of racing, Polaris Engineering set out to improve the strength and ergonomics of the chassis using the latest in CAD and FEA (Finite Element Analysis) technology.  These efforts resulted in a weight-neutral frame that is stronger, stiffer, and roomier, with a safety cage that is over two times stronger than the stringent FIA requirements. These enhancements collectively improve ergonomics, comfort, and vehicle stability.. After the design was complete, Polaris Engineering utilized the expertise of Technique Inc., the sole provider of all NASCAR chassis, to manufacture the one-piece chromoly chassis using production weld fixtures.
● Upgraded Front and Rear Bumpers – Equipped with new removable front and rear bumpers manufactured by Technique Inc., these modifications offer increased vehicle protection to handle the unique challenges of North American desert racing, including “nerfing,” a racing term for bumping someone from behind while attempting to make a pass. In addition, the new vehicle features upgraded mounts for spare tire carriers, jack mounts, and tool kits, allowing the factory racers to confidently tackle each racecourse, knowing they can get out of tricky situations when needed.
● New Factory Muffler – The Gen 2 RZR Pro R Factory features an all-new lightweight Polaris-engineered race muffler to maximize power, limit volume, and refine the tone of the Prostar Fury 4 banger.  
● Improved Cage Design – Based on driver feedback, Polaris engineered an all-new cage to provide additional strength and cockpit room for the drivers while also delivering a more aggressive look.
● Alcon High-Performance Brake System – With its race-proven technology and world-leading brake systems, Alcon USA will deliver its high-performance complete brake systems, including rotors, opposed-piston calipers, and dual master cylinders to the Polaris Factory Racing team. To allow drivers to push the machine further in the harshest conditions, these high-performance brake components are more durable and designed to resist fade caused by high temperatures and excessive use.
● DYNAMIX Suspension Control Module – Delivering maximum control through the roughest terrain, the Gen 2 RZR Pro R Factory features FOX® 3.0 Live Valve X2 Internal Bypass shocks with a new in-house race-tuned DYNAMIX DV Suspension Control Module. This new system is precisely calibrated for open desert racing, providing drivers with four new suspension modes, including Comfort, Baja Soft, Baja Medium, Baja Firm, allowing them to keep the vehicle firmly planted through corners and floating across the roughest whoop sections. These settings were specifically developed based on race driver feedback.
● MoTeC Components – The naturally aspirated four-cylinder stock ProStar Fury 2.0L remains at the heart of the RZR Pro R Factory. However, for GEN 2 Polaris partnered with MoTeC, the gold standard in off-road racing, to supply race-tuned electronic componentry, including ECU, electrical power distribution, and switch panels, which provide endless configuration options and proven durability when tackling wide-open desert racing.
● Carbon Fiber Prop Shaft – Upgraded from its previous steel design, the Gen 2 RZR Pro R Factory will feature an all-new aluminum and carbon fiber prop shaft to reduce weight and provide a higher torque capacity, and quicker acceleration.  
● Increased Carbon Fiber Bodywork – To increase the vehicle’s power-to-weight ratio and increase acceleration and overall speed, Polaris Engineering focused on increasing carbon fiber throughout the vehicle's body panels.
● Increased Fuel System –To minimize the frequency of pit stops, the vehicles will be equipped with an upgraded ATL fuel cell with a range of up to 200 miles.  
● Upgraded Upper Control Arms – Factory-developed, newly designed upper control arms are stronger and stiffer while allowing for more adjustability for improved handling.

 

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Cool Stuff from Score International

VANCE & HINES

Made for Trophy Truck and off Road racing applications this 304 Stainless Steel muffler weighs only 14 lbs ... Read More

The Legends of Score International

40 Years in the Seat

Three-time SCORE Baja 500 Overall Champion (1978, ’85, ’86) and four-time SCORE Baja 500 Class Champion (’76, ’78, ’85, ’86), Scot Harden, traveled the world racing motorcycles. But his best memories of racing were in Mexico. But the ’78 SCORE ... Read More

Old School Baja

A class win in the SCORE Baja 500 is impressive. But imagine the odds-defying thrill of winning it in a bone-stock 50-year old VW Beetle. Class 11 driver Eric Solorzano knows the feeling well, he’s won his SCORE Baja 500 ... Read More

Started in a Truck, Became Famous in a Buggy

You don’t get a nickname like “Baja Bob” without earning it. Bob Gordon has an impressive record racing on the Mexican Peninsula befitting of the nickname “Baja Bob”. Gordon was a three-time winner of the Baja 500; two of which ... Read More

More Legends

Dominic Clark retires after 40 years in SCORE Media Operations

ENSENADA, Baja California, Mexico—Dominic Clark, a Nevada native who has spent over 50 years as a Southern Nevada sports marketing executive, is officially retiring from the industry as he has resigned his independent-contractor position of Media Operations Director for SCORE International, the World’s Foremost Desert Racing Organization.

Dominic Clark retires after 40 years in SCORE Media Operations

SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Dominic Clark, Dominic@SCORE-International.com

ENSENADA, Baja California, Mexico—Dominic Clark, a Nevada native who has spent over 50 years as a Southern Nevada sports marketing executive, is officially retiring from the industry as he has resigned his independent-contractor position of Media Operations Director for SCORE International, the World’s Foremost Desert Racing Organization.

     Born in 1949 in Reno, Nevada, a graduate of Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas and the University of Nevada in Reno, Nev., Clark started his 41st year this year working in Media Operations with the four-race SCORE World Desert Championship. Clark’s final event was last week’s King Shocks 37th SCORE San Felipe 250.

     SCORE has also announced that marquee sports journalist and social media consultant Gabriel Garcia, of Ensenada, Mexico, has been contracted to replace Clark starting on April 1.

CLARK COMMENTS

     Reflecting on his 40-plus years with SCORE, and nearly 60 years working special events, Clark, who turned 75 in January, commented, “What a truly amazing life and career I have had in sports journalism and sports media relations and SCORE has been the biggest part of it with over four decades of doing what I have been blessed to do since I started out as the Sports Editor of both my high school newspaper, high school yearbook in the 1960s, and my college yearbook in the early 1970s.”

     “Like most boys in Southern Nevada at the time, I grew up playing and enjoying ‘stick and ball’ sports, but I was able to transfer the skills that I learned in journalism and sports marketing to relate in the world of motorsports, even though I can barely change a tire, let alone tell anyone what’s under the hood of the vehicle. I have worked with SCORE for more years than any of the other exciting events that I have been fortunate to be a part of for my awesome career. It’s time to hang up ‘the keyboard’ and relax with my family for the final years of my journey. It truly has been a wonderful life.

     My SCORE career started under the colorful direction of Sal Fish and continued for my final 11 years under the insightful and creative direction of Roger and Elise Norman.”

SCORE SAID

     “Dominic has been a huge part of SCORE for a very long time and we appreciate all of the passion, professionalism and insight he has given to us for all of these years,” reflected Abelardo Grijalva, President/Race Director of SCORE International. “I have only worked with him directly for the last 10 years, but I was a racer before that when Sal Fish owned SCORE and Dominic was always a very large part of whatever SCORE was doing during that time as well. To say that his contributions to SCORE will be missed is a huge understatement and all of us wish him nothing but the best in the years ahead. We also want everyone to know that his wisdom and insight into our operation will always be very welcome.”

MOTORSPORTS MISSIONS

     Clark was introduced to motorsports and in particular desert racing through the original Mint 400 desert race in Las Vegas and his motorsports consulting career was launched from there.

     While Clark worked continuously for over four decades with SCORE, he also had great experiences working with the old High Desert Racing Association (HDRA) in Las Vegas, the  Mickey Thompson Off-Road Championship Gran Prix stadium series, Roger Mears Racing in the desert, stadium racing and the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb, Rod Millen Racing at Pike’s Peak, media operations, advertising and sponsorships for the old Las Vegas Speedway Park, Gloy/Rahal Racing media relations with the NASCAR Truck Series, and with Unlimited Hydroplane racing media operations at Lake Mead in Las Vegas and Mission Bay in San Diego.”

NOW WHAT

     SCORE has agreed to retain Clark as a consultant at least through Dec. 31, 2024. He will be the SCORE Historian, maintaining all the SCORE race results and other statistical data related to the races and to the series as he has for the past 40-plus years.  He will no longer oversee SCORE Media Operations and will no longer be on-site for SCORE events.

BACKGROUNDER

     Clark moved to Las Vegas in 1959 with his parents, two of his brothers and one of his sisters.
     Clark began his journalism career as a student at Las Vegas Bishop Gorman High School, working on the school newspaper and school yearbook.

     He attended college on a major scholarship from the Las Vegas Press Club, attending UNLV for two years and the final two years at the University of Nevada in Reno, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism in 1971.

     While at UNLV, Clark was a student assistant for two years for UNLV’s first Sports Information Director—Steu Betterton, and while at Nevada, he was the Wolf Pack’s first SID for two years while completing work on his journalism bachelor's degree. At UNLV, he was also sports editor of the Rebel Yell student newspaper as well as the sports editor of the Epilogue, the UNLV student yearbook.

     After graduating from Nevada, he accepted a position as the Prep Sports Editor at the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper under then Sports Editor Royce Feour.

    Clark left the R-J after six months to accept a position as Sports Information Director in the Athletics Department at UNLV, where he remained for 10 years before leaving in 1981 to become a partner in TUCA Productions sports marketing firm in Las Vegas where he stayed for another 10 years before leaving in 1991 to start his own sports marketing company in Las Vegas that he named Image Media.

     After leaving UNLV to become a partner at TUCA Productions, Clark gradually expanded his work resume doing media relations and media operations for several more events, while also publishing over 100 special event souvenir programs over the years.

     When he first left UNLV he published a coffee-table book entitled ‘Dynasty in the Desert’ celebrating the first 25 years of Runnin’ Rebel basketball and the opening of the iconic Thomas & Mack Arena in Las Vegas. He also was the host of a weekly Sports Talk Radio Show in Las Vegas for over a year called ‘Landmark Sports Tower Review’ broadcast from the top of the old Landmark Hotel.

     While at UNLV, Clark was also the ghost-writer for legendary basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian’s weekly column in the Las Vegas Sun newspaper and after leaving UNLV, Clark wrote a weekly running column called ‘Strides’ than ran for over five years in the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper. He also coined the nickname of the UNLV basketball team still used today ‘Runnin’ Rebels’.

TWO OLYMPICS AND MUCH MORE

    With a two-decade mentorship from media operations guru Tim Simmons, of Longmont, Colo., Clark worked media relations for the Coors Brewing Company rodeo program that included 17 years at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

    Both former Sports Information Directors, Simmons introduced Clark in 1995 to the world of professional beach volleyball, a relationship with the sport that lasted over two decades, including nearly 20 years as a Media Operations Delegate for the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) that included working both the 2012 London Olympic Games on-site and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games via computer.

    Through Simmons, Clark also worked on the media operations team for several years for the Wooden Legacy College basketball tournament in Anaheim, Calif., as well as a decade on the media ops team for both the Armed Forces Bowl college football bowl game in Fort Worth, Texas, and the First Responders Bowl college football bowl game in Dallas.

    Among his numerous special events that he worked with outside of motorsports events, where he was introduced significantly through Las Vegas Events, were both the 1991 and 1993 Miss Universe pageants held in Las Vegas, a decade with the Las Vegas Bowl college football game, 17 years with the United States National Wrestling Championships, three years with the United States National Table Tennis Championships, one year with the U.S. Cycling Federation Olympic Trials, one year with the U.S. Olympic Trials for Karate, Judo and Taekwondo, one year with the U.S. Firefighters National Championship, and one year with the U.S. Triathlon Series National Championship.

     Clark also was the local media director and published the event souvenir program for the 1991 Miss Universe Pageant and published the event souvenir program again in 1993. Both years the colorful event was held at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas.

    Under the direction of founder Larry McKay, Clark was also the Media Director for 17 of the 25 years of the Las Vegas Holiday Prep Classic boy's high school in-season basketball tournament that saw as many as 100 teams. He was also the Media Director for two Boy's high school summer basketball tournaments--the massive Adidas Big Time  for 10 years and later the Reebok Summer Championship  which featured as many 400 teams from around the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

     Always working behind the scenes, Clark has been honored twice by SCORE.  After the 2022 season, he became one of only five people to be recognized with the SCORE Legacy Award, joining Jerry Herbst, Rod Hall, Oscar Kawanishi, and Sal Fish as the only recipients of this new SCORE Award.

     After the 2023 season, Clark was honored with a special SCORE Lifetime Achievement award, celebrating his 40-year tenure with SCORE.

NEW COMPUTER ON THE BLOCK

     Gabriel Garcia Guerra, the incoming bi-lingual SCORE Media Operations Director, was born and raised in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, comes into his new post with a wealth of desert-racing knowledge and strong friendships with many SCORE racers and SCORE race crews.

     While he certainly isn’t new to sports journalism and social media platforms, Garcia will begin his expanded role with SCORE with a solid foundation in each area. 

     He has already been working as a consultant to SCORE for several years under the umbrella of his Podio Media MX company, website, and social media platforms in Ensenada.

    Garcia, 42, was a full-time journalist at El Vigia Newspaper in Ensenada for 16 years (2003 to 2019), where he was also the Sports Editor of the popular periodico for most of those years.

    While at the El Vigia, Garcia covered a wide variety of sports, including football, basketball, soccer, baseball, boxing, and wrestling. Off-Road racing is where he shined and become the well-respected authority on the sport in all of Mexico.

--GARCIA COMMENTS

     “I am replacing a legend in our sport in Dominic Clark, and this will be the biggest challenge in my life so far, but I am ready and excited to get started,” said Garcia recently. “Dominic and I have been friends and colleagues for over 20 years. He has been an advisor, mentor, occasional critic, and very good friend. And I know he will be only a phone call or email away as I begin my new role with SCORE.”

--MORE GARCIA INFO

     Garcia earned a Bachelor's degree in Communication and Advertising from Centro Universitario de Tijuana in 2004.

     Garcia opened his Podio Media MX company in 2019 which covers a multitude of Baja California sports through social media and many live podcasts of athletic competitions.

    Garcia remains a guest reporter for El Vigia, writing almost daily as the source for off-road racing news in the Mexican State of Baja California.

     For the last three years, Garcia has also been the special SCORE social media correspondent in Baja California, providing significant editorial text and recorded interviews for all of the SCORE social media platforms.

      During the 2023 SCORE World Desert Championship added to his SCORE responsibilities by joining legendary SCORE live streaming ramp host Rat Sult as the second voice during pre-race contingency and the finish line interviews of the racers in both English and Spanish.

     Garcia has received many awards of his distinguished career, including being voted as the SCORE Journalist of the Year three times (2011, 2013, and 2022), and in 2023, he was recognized by the Ensenada government as the top local sports journalist of the year by the Municipal Sports Institute of Ensenada.

     Among his other positions included being a reporter for TV Azteca for the Cronicas del Desierto program, and a lead reporter for the Baja4Racing Magazine (2009-2011).

     For more information regarding SCORE, visit the official website of the SCORE World Desert Championship at www.SCORE-International.com.

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